So far I've managed to produce a match map which you can find below. If I get some time to do some match recommendations then I will but with Non-League Day (NLD) looming, it's unlikely.

It looks like being a good week to watch football in the capital with games in the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup, FA Trophy and FA Vase so there's loads of great matches to choose from.

If you're looking for a bargain, Isthmian League club Dulwich Hamlet are running a 'Pay What You Like' scheme for their match against VCD Athletic on Saturday (3 October).

The Hamlet are a growing force in non-league football and have got crowds approaching 3,000 when they've run promotions like this before - pretty impressive for a club in the seventh tier where the average attendance is probably closer to 300 for most sides.

Less than two weeks to go - please help us promote the campaign

Non-League Day is now getting very close indeed.

Apart from updating the match map, something I'll hopefully finally finish this week, we've also received 50 copies of SI Games' Football Manager 2016 to give to clubs to help them promote the day.

If your club might be able to make use of one, get in touch.

Please also remember you can do your bit to help support NLD. We've got some new t-shirts available with part of the proceeds going to our charity partners Prostate Cancer UK. There are downloads and banners which you can print off or add to your website to help us promote it and you can vote for us in the 'Football Influencer' category at the Football Blogging Awards. If you think we're worth it, you can vote for us here.

Right, that's it from me. Enjoy your week.

GET INVOLVED

If you're going to see a game, whether you're a local or a visitor, please let me know what you've been up to. If you're interested in reviewing a ground within the London area for this blog then get in touch. You might also want to have a go at writing a 'Top Ten' one week. I also very much welcome photos of your football travels.

Got any questions about visiting London? Don't hesitate to ask - be they football or more general travel/touristy queries.

You can contact TLFG through the comments section below or via Facebook, Twitter or even by good old email.

LATEST TICKET NEWS

Please follow this link or click on the tab at the top of the page for all the information you need about how to get a ticket, what's currently available to non-members at London's biggest clubs and any other special offers or promotions which might be running.

THE WEEK AHEAD

There are over 90 matches in the London area over the next seven days so there's plenty to choose from whatever your budget.

However, please make sure you check with clubs before you traveljust in case a game has been called offor venue has been changed. Also, please let me know if anything is wrong or missing.

Details on all of this week's games can be found in the following match map. If you've never used it before, please note that when there is more than one match at a specific ground you'll only be able to see individual match pins if you zoom right in. If you don't, the pins obscure each other and you might miss them. To avoid this, you can also scroll down the list of games on the left side of the map page to make sure you get all the information. Games are listed from top to bottom in date order so Monday's games (yellow pin) will appear first and Sunday's (white pin) last. Games are also ranked in terms of status so the higher the division, the higher up the list they will appear on each day.

Also if you're unfamiliar with the English league structure I indicate the level at which an individual league sits in the national 'pyramid' with the Premier League at the top (Level 1) and various minor leagues at the bottom (Level 10). Typically a top level game will see crowds of anywhere between 20,000-60,000. These figures will gradually decline as you go down the leagues until you get to Levels 8-10 where attendances of 150 or less are most common.

It should also be noted that the top four levels are for fully professional teams. Level 5 has a mixture of professional and semi-professional teams, while Levels 6-10 will see most players paid but it will vary from no more than travel expenses at the bottom, right up to several hundred pounds a week at the top (e.g. clubs in the Conference South).

Sunday, 20 September 2015

Having made it back from Turkey, I still had a few more days off and managed to pack it with sport related activity.

On Wednesday I went to QPR v Blackburn. It produced a 2-2 draw which neither side can have too many complaints about. The defending, particularly from Rangers, was suspect at times but they battled through to salvage a point.

On Thursday I went for a run in preparation for next Sunday's Ealing Half Marathon but a muscle injury returned and I had to walk about 5km home. Hopefully rest will put it right.

By the way, if you're a QPR fan who's taking part in the Ealing Half, I'm arranging a meet-up prior to the race for a 'QPR Runners' team photo. Feel free to join us.

Yesterday I headed down to Gloucester with some Georgian friends to see their side begin the Rugby World Cup with a hard-fought win over Tonga on what turned out to be a day of surprises.

Apart from updating the match map, I went for a meeting at the Premier League with some of their communications team who are more than happy to help us push out the message this year via their own channels and those of their member clubs - it was a very significant moment for the campaign.

Please also remember you can do your bit to help support NLD. We've got some new t-shirts available with part of the proceeds going to our charity partners Prostate Cancer UK. There are downloads and banners which you can print off or add to your website to help us promote it and you can vote for us in the 'Football Influencer' category at the Football Blogging Awards. If you think we're worth it, you can vote for us here.

Lots of fixtures have also been confirmed and they are being added to the match map as the days go by. Have a look and see what's on near you.

Right, that's it from me. Heading back in to work shortly for my first shift after two weeks off - urgh.

GET INVOLVED

If you're going to see a game, whether you're a local or a visitor, please let me know what you've been up to. If you're interested in reviewing a ground within the London area for this blog then get in touch. You might also want to have a go at writing a 'Top Ten' one week. I also very much welcome photos of your football travels.

Got any questions about visiting London? Don't hesitate to ask - be they football or more general travel/touristy queries.

You can contact TLFG through the comments section below or via Facebook, Twitter or even by good old email.

LATEST TICKET NEWS

Please follow this link or click on the tab at the top of the page for all the information you need about how to get a ticket, what's currently available to non-members at London's biggest clubs and any other special offers or promotions which might be running.

THE WEEK AHEAD

There are over 100 matches in the London area over the next seven days so there's plenty to choose from whatever your budget.

However, please make sure you check with clubs before you traveljust in case a game has been called offor venue has been changed. Also, please let me know if anything is wrong or missing.

Details on all of this week's games can be found in the following match map. If you've never used it before, please note that when there is more than one match at a specific ground you'll only be able to see individual match pins if you zoom right in. If you don't, the pins obscure each other and you might miss them. To avoid this, you can also scroll down the list of games on the left side of the map page to make sure you get all the information. Games are listed from top to bottom in date order so Monday's games (yellow pin) will appear first and Sunday's (white pin) last. Games are also ranked in terms of status so the higher the division, the higher up the list they will appear on each day.

Also if you're unfamiliar with the English league structure I indicate the level at which an individual league sits in the national 'pyramid' with the Premier League at the top (Level 1) and various minor leagues at the bottom (Level 10). Typically a top level game will see crowds of anywhere between 20,000-60,000. These figures will gradually decline as you go down the leagues until you get to Levels 8-10 where attendances of 150 or less are most common.

It should also be noted that the top four levels are for fully professional teams. Level 5 has a mixture of professional and semi-professional teams, while Levels 6-10 will see most players paid but it will vary from no more than travel expenses at the bottom, right up to several hundred pounds a week at the top (e.g. clubs in the Conference South).

Next up is this week's TLFG match recommendations where I list a few games which I think could be worth a watch. If I miss one that you think should get a mention then add your own in the comments section below.

TLFG TOP 10

1. Tottenham Hotspur v Arsenal - the first North London derby of the season wasn't expected until well into November but then fate decreed that the two should meet in the third round of the League Cup. At this point in the competition, most sides send out weakened line-ups to give a few kids a chance but I seriously doubt that'll be the case here as the bragging rights are worth so much. In recent years, the sides have met three times in the competition usually at the semi-final stage and there's always plenty of goals. The last time was five years ago at the same stage when Arsenal won 4-1 at White Hart Lane but only after extra-time. It could well go the distance again. (League Cup Third Round, Wednesday 23 September, 745pm. Ticket info)

2. Watford v Crystal Palace - we've got another derby to look forward to on Sunday in the far north-west of our region. The Hornets rejoined the Premier League after an absence of several years at the start of the season with very little expected of them. However, they have made a positive start and are sat nicely in the top half after recording back-to-back wins over Swansea and Newcastle. Palace, by the time this game happens, could be back in the top three if they beat Spurs on Sunday to continue their fine form. The head-to-head between these sides is pretty tight and there will be a little bit of a score to settle for Watford as the last time they faced the Eagles was in the 2013 Championship play-off final which ended in a 1-0 defeat. (Premier League, Sunday 27 September, 4pm. Ticket info)

3. Fulham v Queens Park Rangers - talking of derbies we also have one of the West London variety to enjoy on Friday night. It's fair to say that Chelsea provide the biggest derby for both these sides but the rivalry isn't really reciprocated as the gulf is so large. These two are on a much more even footing and usually provide some cracking games. Rangers have already sold out their allocation and should start as marginal favourites on form. However, they haven't managed a win at Craven Cottage for over 35 years and have shipped an average of nearly four goals a game over their last three visits so can't be overly confident. If you can't get into a Premier League game this week then really seriously consider this one. (Championship, Friday 25 September, 745pm. Ticket info)

4. Millwall v Rochdale - it's been a topsy-turvy week for the Lions. Following the joy of winning at Port Vale in midweek, they were brought down to earth with a home defeat against struggling Southend on Saturday. Things look rosier than they did though and now they are only three points off getting back into the play-off spots. If they are to be taken seriously as promotion contenders then they'll need to beat the likes of Rochdale who are occupying one of those berths at the moment. What's also worth noting is that this is the first time the sides have met since 1965. In that Division 4 game at Spotland, Millwall triumphed by two goals to nil so they'll be hoping for a re-enactment. (League One, Saturday 26 September, 3pm. Ticket info)

5. Barnet v Dagenham & Redbridge - I'm almost getting tired of using the D-word but we've got another derby at The Hive. This could prove to be a highly significant game for two sides at the wrong end of League Two. Both sides originally emerged from non-league football but have struggled in recent seasons with average crowds that put them in the bottom five in the attendance league. Their performances on the pitch have also been poor with Barnet leapfrogging the Daggers this weekend to get out of the bottom two. It's really hard to call this one but Dagenham are unbeaten in five against the Bees so that might tell us something. (League Two, Saturday 26 September, 3pm. Ticket info)

6. Bromley v Chester - the Ravens moved up to the fifth tier at the start of the season and have acquitted themselves well. After a slightly inconsistent start, the south-east London club have won four games on the bounce to put them within touching distance of the play-off spots. Chester have only won one of their last five so Bromley should feel pretty confident ahead of this first ever meeting of the two clubs. (National League, Saturday 26 September, 3pm. Ticket info)

7. Wingate & Finchley v Concord Rangers - it's FA Cup time again this weekend and with the competition now at the Second Qualifying Round stage, teams from the National League North and South enter the draw. Isthmian Premier side W&F have belied their minnow status again, moving up to fourth after a fine beginning to their campaign. In Concord they face a club from the division above so said draw could've been kinder but the Essex outfit have lost seven of their last 10 league games so could be there for the taking. (FA Cup Second Qualifying Round, Saturday 26 September, 3pm. Ticket info)

8. Tooting & Mitcham United v Brackley Town - south Londoners T&MU face one of their biggest matches for a while as they entertain The Saints who hail from the National League North some two divisions above. The Northants club struggled last season and are hovering just above the relegation places again so look vulnerable despite the vast experience of 43-year-old former Chelsea defender Frank Sinclair who has just stepped up to become player-manager. Tooting have lost more than they've won to sit in the lower half of the Isthmian South but the £4,500 prize money on offer should level the playing field somewhat. (FA Cup Second Qualifying Round, Saturday 26 September, 3pm. Ticket info)

9. Carshalton Athletic v East Thurrock United - neither side have exactly been pulling up trees this season and sit well down the pecking order in their respective divisions. Carshalton of the Isthmian South play a level below ETU but have home advantage so should be in a position to give it a good go. (FA Cup Second Qualifying Round, Saturday 26 September, 3pm. Ticket info)

10. Phoenix Sports v AFC Hornchurch - last up we've got a tie between sides from the Isthmian North. The Urchins are currently third and will start as favourites but Phoenix have ousted Guernsey and Lewes, considerably bigger clubs, in previous rounds and will be particularly dangerous on their own pitch. (FA Cup Second Qualifying Round, Saturday 26 September, 3pm. Club info)

If you have any questions or want advice about watching football in London, you can contact TLFG using the comments section below or via Facebook, Twitter or email.

Sunday, 13 September 2015

Yes that's right readers, I'm on holiday in one of Europe's eastern outposts and having a relaxing time thanks very much. However, I couldn't let you all down and brought my laptop with me to make sure this got published. I know - what a hero.

I've been based in a small mountain village called Islamlar to the north of the resort town of Kalkan both of which I can highly recommend.

In this idyllic spot it's easy to forget that refugees are fighting for their lives off the western coast and the army is in combat with Kurdish factions in the far south east.

The latter conflict is taking place over 700 miles from my current location which gives you some idea of the size of this country if you needed any reminding.

Getting back to more mundane matters, being on the side of a mountain means there's no local football team. Apparently there is one in town but it's a taxi ride away and I'm not even sure they're playing.

The big teams round here are Fethiyespor (third tier - about 30 miles away) and Antalyaspor (top tier - about 100 miles away). Both were/are at home this weekend but are unreachable without a car which I don't have - disappointing.

Less than four weeks to go!

Aside from all this, Non-League Day preparations have continued.

We've got some new t-shirts available with part of the proceeds going to our charity partners Prostate Cancer UK. We've got downloads and banners which you can print off or add to your website to help us promote it and we've been nominated for the 'Football Influencer' award at the Football Blogging Awards. If you think we're worth it, you can vote for us here.

Lots of fixtures have also been confirmed and they are being added to the match map as the days go by. Have a look and see what's on near you.

Right, that's it from me. Heading back to Blighty tomorrow so need to make the most of my final day and also get some packing done.

PS - I've tweaked the match map again. Not only are the matches now chronologically ordered by day on the left hand side of the map, the games are also ranked by tier. So for example Premier League games will appear at the top of the list each day if there are any. Where teams play at the same level but in different leagues, ranking will then be alphabetical. Hope this makes sense.

GET INVOLVED

If you're going to see a game, whether you're a local or a visitor, please let me know what you've been up to. If you're interested in reviewing a ground within the London area for this blog then get in touch. You might also want to have a go at writing a 'Top Ten' one week. I also very much welcome photos of your football travels.

Got any questions about visiting London? Don't hesitate to ask - be they football or more general travel/touristy queries.

You can contact TLFG through the comments section below or via Facebook, Twitter or even by good old email.

LATEST TICKET NEWS

Please follow this link or click on the tab at the top of the page for all the information you need about how to get a ticket, what's currently available to non-members at London's biggest clubs and any other special offers or promotions which might be running.

THE WEEK AHEAD

There are over 80 matches in the London area over the next seven days so there's plenty to choose from whatever your budget.

However, please make sure you check with clubs before you traveljust in case a game has been called offor venue has been changed. Also, please let me know if anything is wrong or missing.

Details on all of this week's games can be found in the following match map. If you've never used it before, please note that when there is more than one match at a specific ground you'll only be able to see individual match pins if you zoom right in. If you don't, the pins obscure each other and you might miss them. To avoid this, you can also scroll down the list of games on the left side of the map page to make sure you get all the information. Games are listed from top to bottom in date order so Monday's games (yellow pin) will appear first and Sunday's (white pin) last.

Also if you're unfamiliar with the English league structure I indicate the level at which an individual league sits in the national 'pyramid' with the Premier League at the top (Level 1) and various minor leagues at the bottom (Level 10). Typically a top level game will see crowds of anywhere between 20,000-60,000. These figures will gradually decline as you go down the leagues until you get to Levels 8-10 where attendances of 150 or less are most common.

It should also be noted that the top four levels are for fully professional teams. Level 5 has a mixture of professional and semi-professional teams, while Levels 6-10 will see most players paid but it will vary from no more than travel expenses at the bottom, right up to several hundred pounds a week at the top (e.g. clubs in the Conference South).

Next up is this week's TLFG match recommendations where I list a few games which I think could be worth a watch. If I miss one that you think should get a mention then add your own in the comments section below.

TLFG TOP 10

1. Chelsea v Arsenal - it really wasn't hard to pick this week's top game but this time the scenario is very different to normal. Although these are London's two biggest clubs, they find themselves in contrasting positions. It's business as usual for the Gunners, coasting along in third as you would expect but it's all gone haywire for the Blues. The reigning league champions have won only one of their five games so far and languish in 16th - an almost unthinkable situation. Saturday's 3-1 defeat at Everton saw them fall 11 points behind leaders Manchester City. If they are to have any hope of challenging for even a top three finish then this has already become a must-win game. (Premier League, Saturday 19 September, 1245pm. Ticket info)

2. Tottenham Hotspur v Crystal Palace - there's also been a bit of an unexpected start by both clubs in this other derby. Spurs have become a fairly solid fixture in the top six over the last few years and have even made it into the Champions League so it is a surprise to find them winless after four games and down near the relegation zone. Palace were second before their narrow defeat to all-conquering Manchester City on Saturday but are still up in the top four after a very bright start. The Eagles took four points off Tottenham last season and another three could well be theirs on Sunday. (Premier League, Sunday 20 September, 130pm. Ticket info)

3. Queens Park Rangers v Blackburn Rovers - there's not a lot whetting my appetite in the Championship this week and if I wasn't a QPR fan who is going to this then I probably wouldn't go out of my way to recommend it. Rangers have made a reasonable start to life back in the second tier so it was disappointing to give away the lead in the process of losing 2-1 to Nottingham Forest on Saturday. The bright point was Charlie Austin scoring again as he continues to prove that he was well worth the £15m asking price that no top flight club were apparently prepared to meet over the summer. Former Premier League champions Blackburn have had some financial problems of late and are winless going into their Sunday match against Fulham. QPR really should win but anything's possible in this division. (Championship, Wednesday 16 September, 745pm. Ticket info)

4. Millwall v Southend United - the Lions went into this campaign as one of the bookies' favourites for the League One title so I guess it's fair to say they are underachieving at this point. Sitting just a point above the relegation places after six games is disappointing but in newly promoted Southend, who are just below them, they face beatable opposition. The main reason for listing this match is that it is, apart from the Gillingham games, their derby for the year. With no other London clubs in the third tier, Essex side Southend are about as close at it gets. (League One, Saturday 19 September, 3pm. Ticket info)

5. Leyton Orient v Wycombe Wanderers - both sides suffered disappointment last season as the O's got relegated and the Chairboys lost in the play-off final. Both are looking to make amends and have begun well. Ian Hendon's side are top by a point but have suddenly gone two without a win while Wycombe are two points behind in fourth. The visitors lost to second placed Plymouth on Saturday so won't want to losE further ground on the leading pack. Like Southend above, Wycombe play just outside London so this will have a bit of a derby feel to it too. (League Two, Saturday 19 September, 3pm. Ticket info)

6. Boreham Wood v Wrexham - the big games keep on coming for The Wood. Minnows of the division, the newly promoted side are playing sides they've never faced before and not a huge amount is expected of them. After their stunning win over Tranmere three weeks ago it's all gone a bit pear shaped with only one point garnered from their following four games. On Saturday, second placed Wrexham pay a visit. One of the giants of the National League, the Welsh club have been pushing hard to reclaim the Football League place they lost in 2008. The hosts also have a derby against Bromley on Tuesday if you can't make it to this one. (National League, Saturday 19 September, 3pm. Ticket info)

7. Grays Athletic v Bognor Regis Town - despite having no ground of their own, Grays are the hottest thing in the Isthmian League right now. The Essex outfit, who only qualify for inclusion in TLFG by virtue of their groundshare with Aveley, haven't lost in the league or FA Cup and have only drawn twice. These are exciting times for a team who finished third in what in now the National League in 2006 and also enjoyed two FA Trophy wins around the same time. Bognor aren't too shabby either and currently command a top-six spot themselves. Will they be the first team to get the better of Mark Bentley's side? (Isthmian League Premier Division, Saturday 12 September, 3pm. Ticket info)

8. Enfield Town v Billericay Town - after Saturday's FA Cup ties we are left with only two replays in the London area (subject to the Greenwich result on Sunday). The first is this one between two sides in the Isthmian League's Premier Division. After making last season's play-offs Enfield suffered the heartbreak of losing their place because they were controversially adjudged by the FA to have fielded an ineligible player earlier in the season. Sadly they don't seem to have quite recovered from that decision and have accrued only five points from nine games. After a brief spell in the Conference South in 2012-13, Billericay have managed a couple of midtable finishes on their return to the seventh tier and it looks as if they will repeat that again this time. The initial tie at New Lodge on Saturday ended in a 1-1 draw. (FA Cup First Qualifying Round Replay, Tuesday 15 September, 745pm. Ticket info)

9. Harrow Borough v Northwood - after drawing a blank up at Chestnut Avenue on Saturday these two local rivals return to Earlsmead on Tuesday to battle it out for the £3,000 prize money on offer. Boro play a level above their opponents but reports suggest some fine goalkeeping kept them in the tie so they won't be able to take anything for granted. They'll be hoping home advantage sees them over the line. (FA Cup First Qualifying Round Replay, Tuesday 15 September, 745pm. Club info)

10. Ashford Town (Middlesex) v Hanworth Villa - the standout game of the week from the ninth and tenth tiers is this one. Not only is this a derby (they both play close to Heathrow Airport), they are currently ranked first and third in the Combined Counties League. Ashford have won all of their games so far while neighbours Hanworth have only dropped two points as they have both flown out the traps. (Combined Counties League Premier Division, Saturday 19 September, 3pm. Ticket info)

If you have any questions or want advice about watching football in London, you can contact TLFG using the comments section below or via Facebook, Twitter or email.

Monday, 7 September 2015

The match list on the left-hand side of the page is now in chronological order with Monday's games at the top and Sunday's at the bottom. I hope you find it easy to use and more helpful.

It's all been about Non-League Day again for me this week. Aside from a volunteers' conference call, I also went for a meeting with Supporters Direct who have always been helpful when it comes to backing our campaign.

My main administrative task is adding all the games to our match finder which is a huge job and one I've fallen a little behind on. Thankfully I've got two weeks holiday now so will hopefully catch up.

Less than five weeks to go!

This weekend also saw the second Lokalrunde in Switzerland and Germany. A sister event to Non-League Day, our friends over to the east have a slightly different approach and ethos so it will be interesting to see how it went. If you attended a game please share your experience.

There were also some publicity events in Switzerland and Germany for the 'MatchDays' book which Dutch TLFG reader Paul Baaijens wrote about London football following his visit here in 2013. The book has recently been translated into German hence the two dates in these countries.

Looking ahead, we've got a great looking week of football with 'all-conquering' England at Wembley, a top-two clash in the Premier League and loads of FA Cup ties - I can't wait. However, I'll be in Turkey as of tomorrow night for some late summer sun so will miss the lot but will still try to compile next week's piece from there.

Happy football watching one and all.

GET INVOLVED

If you're going to see a game, whether you're a local or a visitor, please let me know what you've been up to. If you're interested in reviewing a ground within the London area for this blog then get in touch. You might also want to have a go at writing a 'Top Ten' one week. I also very much welcome photos of your football travels.

Got any questions about visiting London? Don't hesitate to ask - be they football or more general travel/touristy queries.

You can contact TLFG through the comments section below or via Facebook, Twitter or even by good old email.

LATEST TICKET NEWS

Please follow this link or click on the tab at the top of the page for all the information you need about how to get a ticket, what's currently available to non-members at London's biggest clubs and any other special offers or promotions which might be running.

THE WEEK AHEAD

There are over 80 matches in the London area over the next seven days so there's plenty to choose from whatever your budget.

However, please make sure you check with clubs before you traveljust in case a game has been called offor venue has been changed. Also, please let me know if anything is wrong or missing.

Details on all of this week's games can be found in the following match map. If you've never used it before, please note that when there is more than one match at a specific ground you'll only be able to see individual match pins if you zoom right in. If you don't, the pins obscure each other and you might miss them. To avoid this, you can also scroll down the list of games on the left side of the map page to make sure you get all the information. Games are listed from top to bottom in date order so Monday's games (yellow pin) will appear first and Sunday's (white pin) last.

Also if you're unfamiliar with the English league structure I indicate the level at which an individual league sits in the national 'pyramid' with the Premier League at the top (Level 1) and various minor leagues at the bottom (Level 10). Typically a top level game will see crowds of anywhere between 20,000-60,000. These figures will gradually decline as you go down the leagues until you get to Levels 8-10 where attendances of 150 or less are most common.

It should also be noted that the top four levels are for fully professional teams. Level 5 has a mixture of professional and semi-professional teams, while Levels 6-10 will see most players paid but it will vary from no more than travel expenses at the bottom, right up to several hundred pounds a week at the top (e.g. clubs in the Conference South).

Next up is this week's TLFG match recommendations where I list a few games which I think could be worth a watch. If I miss one that you think should get a mention then add your own in the comments section below.

TLFG TOP 10

1. England v Switzerland - Roy Hodgson's side return to Wembley for this Euro 2016 qualifier having sealed their place in France next summer with three games to spare. Not only this but they are the only team across the continent to have a 100% record at this stage. Granted they aren't in the strongest group but the odd point, particularly on the road, could've been dropped in previous years. Switzerland are in second and although six points behind could still win the group. They also need points to make sure of second and their place in the finals so should be well motivated. (Euro 2016 qualifier, Tuesday 8 September, 745pm. Ticket info)

2. Crystal Palace v Manchester City - with the international break out of the way, the Premier League resumes with a clash of the current top two. It's no surprise that big spending two-time champions City are already three points clear after only four games but to see the Eagles just behind them is a bit more of an eyebrow raiser. I do fancy Alan Pardew's side to do well this season and with a great start could hang on for a Europa League spot. They also beat City at Selhurst Park as recently as April and defeated Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in their last match so should be more than capable of causing an upset. (Premier League, Saturday 12 September, 3pm. Ticket info)

3. Watford v Swansea City - although only fourth from bottom with three draws and a loss, I would expect all connected with the Hornets to be satisfied with that start as they find their feet at the top level. On paper a lot of fans would look at the fixture list, see Swansea and think 'winnable game'. I think most QPR fans did when we got them at home on the opening day of the 2012/13 season but then looked on as we got annihilated 5-0. Despite managerial changes, the Swans seem to get stronger every year and finished an impressive eighth last season. Previously untested as a manager, former player Garry Monk has eased into the hotseat and has now guided them into the early-season top four while playing some great football. It could be a tough afternoon for the hosts. (Premier League, Saturday 12 September, 3pm. Ticket info)

4. Queens Park Rangers v Nottingham Forest - when I started going to football in the '80s these two were both top-flight clubs and Forest were one of the best around having won the European Cup twice in 1979 and 1980. Both have fallen away somewhat since then with both suffering financial problems and both having spent several years in what is now League One. Now both in the Championship and still with questionable finances, QPR should start as favourites. After a setback at Charlton in their first game, they've become unbeaten and have moved up to fourth becoming the division's joint top scorers in the process. Having also held on to all their star players during the transfer window, including striker Charlie Austin, things are looking bright. Forest, however, have managed only one victory from their five games and don't win too often at Loftus Road... (Championship, Saturday 12 September, 1230pm. Ticket info)

5. Hampton & Richmond Borough v Dulwich Hamlet - all our local clubs in League One and Two are on the road this week so all the remaining featured matches will be FA Cup First Qualifying Round ties. The first is the blockbuster between these two Isthmian League Premier Division rivals. Two of the better supported sides in the division, they have both started well and in some ways it's a shame they've been drawn this early in the competition. Last season I went to the game between the sides on Non-League Day at Champion Hill which produced an entertaining 2-2 draw and a spectacular crowd of nearly 3,000. Hampton's ground is also regarded by many as one of the best at this level so all in all I highly recommend this one. (FA Cup First Qualifying Round, Saturday 12 September, 3pm. Club info)

6. Kingstonian v Farnborough - just up the road on the other side of the Thames we have another all-Isthmian League contest. The K's finished as runners-up the season before last and have made a reasonable start this time round. In Farnborough, they have drawn an unpredictable opponent. Recently relegated from the Conference South, their season was delayed for financial reasons and FA appeals and have so far only managed three games - one which they won heavily and the other two they lost. It could really go either way but on paper the hosts should win. (FA Cup First Qualifying Round, Saturday 12 September, 3pm. Ticket info)

7. Northwood v Harrow Borough - in north-west London we've got a derby to look forward to. A short ride on the 282 bus will pretty much take you door-to-door in this suburban battle for cup glory. Since moving over to the Southern League in 2010, contests between these two have largely been limited to county cup matches so it will be good to see them lock horns in a match of real importance. Although Boro play a level above, Northwood have started their season strongly and will make things difficult for them.(FA Cup First Qualifying Round, Saturday 12 September, 3pm. Ticket info)

8. AFC Hornchurch v Cambridge City - the Urchins suffered relegation from the Isthmian Premier last season but have made a very positive start and are just a point off top spot in the Isthmian North. On Saturday they welcome the Lilywhites who play in the Southern League Premier, a level above. They haven't come flying out of the blocks, have suffered a bit of upheaval of late and have been without a home of their own for over two years. Potential cupset. (FA Cup First Qualifying Round, Saturday 12 September, 3pm. Ticket info)

9. Phoenix Sports v Lewes - having seen off Guernsey in a replay at the neutral venue of Lewes' Dripping Pan ground in the last round, Phoenix now welcome the Sussex club themselves to Barnehurst. The south-east London outfit have climbed swiftly over the last few years to make it into the Isthmian North and have made a respectable start to life in the eighth tier. Lewes, a Conference National side until 2009, have been struggling and are winless in eight in the Isthmian Premier. In a sharklike sense, I can smell blood already. (FA Cup First Qualifying Round, Saturday 12 September, 3pm. Club info)

10. Bedfont & Feltham v AFC Rushden & Diamonds - we finish up this week with another recommendation to watch B&F. One of the few Step 6 sides still in the competition, the relatively new club (founded in 2012) welcome the reincarnation of Rushden & Diamonds who were a League One side until as recently as 2004. Like so many others, financial problems intervened and the club dropped through the divisions and eventually got dissolved in 2011. Now a Southern League side, they play two levels above B&F and still have a healthy fan base. Consequently, this is probably the biggest match in the hosts' short history. (FA Cup First Qualifying Round, Saturday 12 September, 3pm. Ticket info)

If you have any questions or want advice about watching football in London, you can contact TLFG using the comments section below or via Facebook, Twitter or email.

Tuesday, 1 September 2015

How was your week? Did you get to many games over the Bank Holiday weekend?

I travelled back to Earlsmead, a place I spent most of my teenage years, to watch the Isthmian League clash between Harrow Borough and Tonbridge Angels.

Boro are known for being the perennial strugglers who somehow never get relegated so it's come as a refreshing surprise to see them make a very positive start to this campaign.

Boss Steve Bakertook over in January with relegation once again looking a certainty but he worked his magic and kept them up. They also won the Middlesex cup double as well.

On Saturday, Kent club Tonbridge paid a visit. Another side to have begun well, they were soon ahead from a corner and looked strong.

Harrow and Tonbridge exchange pleasantries before kick-off

The hosts didn't wilt though and fought on. Both missed glorious chances before Lewis Driver's deflected effort drew the sides level with around 20 minutes to go.

It finished 1-1 and no-one could have any complaints. Both sides went on to record victories in today's games to become firmly encamped in the top six. Perhaps ones to watch as the season unfolds.

Aside from this, preparations have also been ongoing for this year's Non-League Day on 10 October.

With a little over a month to go, the pace and pressure of the campaign are starting to pick up but we love it or we wouldn't bother.

Lokalrunde, our sister event in Germany and Switzerland takes place this weekend so if you're in one of those countries please get involved and see a game if you can.

That reminds me - Lokalrunde is happening this weekend because it's an international break and as a result there is very little on here when it comes to the big clubs. As a matter of course there will be no Premier League or Championship games but all our local League One and Two clubs are away from home too.

The only exceptions to this are the two Johnstone's Paint Trophy ties at AFC Wimbledon and Millwall on Tuesday night. Apart from these, it's non-league football all the way. With some cracking league, FA Cup and FA Vase matches taking place, you should find something that grabs you.

Enjoy!

PS - thanks a lot to Michael Cox of Zonal Marking fame for recommending TLFG on Twitter this week, much appreciated as always.

GET INVOLVED

If you're going to see a game, whether you're a local or a visitor, please let me know what you've been up to. If you're interested in reviewing a ground within the London area for this blog then get in touch. You might also want to have a go at writing a 'Top Ten' one week. I also very much welcome photos of your football travels.

Got any questions about visiting London? Don't hesitate to ask - be they football or more general travel/touristy queries.

You can contact TLFG through the comments section below or via Facebook, Twitter or even by good old email.

LATEST TICKET NEWS

Please follow this link or click on the tab at the top of the page for all the information you need about how to get a ticket, what's currently available to non-members at London's biggest clubs and any other special offers or promotions which might be running.

THE WEEK AHEAD

There are over 60 matches in the London area over the next seven days so there's plenty to choose from whatever your budget.

However, please make sure you check with clubs before you traveljust in case a game has been called offor venue has been changed. Also, please let me know if anything is wrong or missing.

Details on all of this week's games can be found in the following match map. If you've never used it before, please note that when there is more than one match at a specific ground you'll only be able to see individual match pins if you zoom right in. If you don't, the pins obscure each other and you might miss them. To avoid this, you can also scroll down the list of games on the left side of the map page to make sure you get all the information.

Also if you're unfamiliar with the English league structure I indicate the level at which an individual league sits in the national 'pyramid' with the Premier League at the top (Level 1) and various minor leagues at the bottom (Level 10). Typically a top level game will see crowds of anywhere between 20,000-60,000. These figures will gradually decline as you go down the leagues until you get to Levels 8-10 where attendances of 150 or less are most common.

It should also be noted that the top four levels are for fully professional teams. Level 5 has a mixture of professional and semi-professional teams, while Levels 6-10 will see most players paid but it will vary from no more than travel expenses at the bottom, right up to several hundred pounds a week at the top (e.g. clubs in the Conference South).

Next up is this week's TLFG match recommendations where I list a few games which I think could be worth a watch. If I miss one that you think should get a mention then add your own in the comments section below.

TLFG TOP 10

1. Millwall v Peterborough United - it must be an international break when the week's top pick is a Johnstone's Paint Trophy fixture between two League One early-season strugglers. What can I say to sell this? Tickets are only £10 for adults and £1 for kids but other than that the sides are scoring less than a goal a game between them and are in desperate need of a win. The last time these sides met at The New Den in 2013, Posh won 5-1. It should be a belter! (Johnstone's Paint Trophy first round, Tuesday 1 September, 745pm. Ticket info)

2. AFC Wimbledon v Plymouth Argyle - there are also cheap tickets to be had a few miles to the west in the same competition. This game could be a bit more entertaining as the sides have made much more promising starts in League Two. Argyle are currently second and saw off the Dons by 2-0 at Kingsmeadow on the opening day. They will therefore start as favourites. (Johnstone's Paint Trophy first round, Tuesday 1 September, 745pm. Ticket info)

3. Welling United v Tranmere Rovers - a couple of years ago few would have foreseen these two would be preparing to meet in a league fixture but that's what's happening. The Wings were down in the Conference South whilst Tranmere were up in League One. Welling avoided relegation by the skin of their teeth last season, Rovers didn't. So here we are. The hosts are struggling again and, after a good start, the visitors have hit a sticky patch too. The match has been chosen for live coverage on BT Sport so don't get caught out by the early kick-off if you fancy going. (National League, Saturday 5 September, 1230pm. Ticket info)

4. Boreham Wood v Grimsby Town - talking of improbable match-ups, we've got another one the same day in the same division on the north side of town. How Boreham Wood have made it to National League level with average crowds of under 300 is almost miraculous but they've done it and are now getting used to life next to former Football League titans like Grimsby. Aside from the odd FA Cup tie, this is possibly the biggest match the club have ever hosted so it's a huge day for them. The Mariners are one of the favourites for promotion but have made an indifferent start and could be there for the taking. (National League, Saturday 5 September, 3pm. Ticket info)

5. Wingate & Finchley v Tonbridge Angels - nothing has really gone to plan at the start of the new season in the Isthmian Premier with several unfancied sides getting off to a flyer. While the top two (Leiston and Grays) do battle up in Suffolk, third and fourth meet at Summers Lane for what should be a very interesting game. Wingate are one of the smallest clubs in the division and seem to be building well on last season where they challenged for a play-off place for most of it. Tonbridge looked a very solid side when I saw them on Saturday and they're banging in more than three a game at the moment. It's a classic game of defence versus attack - who will come out on top? (Isthmian League Premier Division, Saturday 5 September, 3pm. Ticket info)

6. Corinthian Casuals v Folkestone Invicta - if that doesn't whet your appetite then a third versus first clash in the Isthmian South might get your juices flowing. Casuals got off to a great start, as they did last year, but had a bad few days last week losing their first league game and also got knocked out of the FA Cup. Thankfully they got back to winning ways on Saturday and it's a bit of luck because they'll need to be at their best to compete with Folkestone who are already two points clear and unbeaten. (Isthmian League Division 1 South, Saturday 5 September, 3pm. Club info)

7. CB Hounslow United v Eversley & California - dropping down to the tenth tier we have a game between the top two in the Combined Counties League Division 1. Both have won all their games with CB top because they've played a game more. The hosts have been fairly unspectacular in recent seasons so this superb start has come as a bit of a surprise. E&C have been challengers before but never gone the distance. Will this be their year?(Combined Counties League Division 1, Saturday 5 September, 3pm. Club info)

8. Woodford Town v Crawley Green - at the same level but in the parallel Spartan South Midlands League, the newly re-formed Woodford Town (formerly Bush Hill Rangers) have made a good start to life. With 10 points from six games, they lie sixth in the table. Crawley Green, from Luton, have won all five of their opening fixtures to top the table so will provide a strong test of Woodford's credentials. (Spartan South Midlands Division 1, Saturday 5 September, 3pm. Club info)

9. Hanworth Villa v Desborough Town - it's also the opening round of the FA Vase and there are a few interesting inter-league ties. Villa are currently joint top of the Combined Counties after their perfect start to the season which has seen them win five on the bounce in the league. Desborough haven't been quite as exciting so far but are still among the leading pack in the United Counties League and will provide a challenge. (FA Vase First Qualifying Round, Saturday 5 September, 3pm. Club info)

10. Southall v Bedfont & Feltham - we finish up this week with another Vase tie between two west London sides from the Spartan South Midlands and Combined Counties Leagues. Both play in the tenth tier but B&F will probably start as favourites as although only midtable, they've only played two league games and have won them both. They have also taken AFC Hayes from the division above to a replay in the FA Cup. Southall have had a mediocre start and will probably come unstuck. (FA Vase First Qualifying Round, Saturday 5 September, 3pm. Club info)

If you have any questions or want advice about watching football in London, you can contact TLFG using the comments section below or via Facebook, Twitter or email.

About Me

I'm a QPR fan and follower of Harrow Borough in the Isthmian League.
In 2010 I set up Non-League Day to help promote semi-professional and grassroots football. I'm hoping that TLFG will help provide a similar boost for football clubs around the capital.
I also worked at BBC Sport for 10 years before it relocated to Salford but decided not to go, such was my love of London.